County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson with Brigadier Gen. Yvonne L. Mays at a March meeting where Mays was cited for career accomplishments.
The Burlington County Commissioners celebrated Women’s History Month at their March meeting by honoring one of the state’s inspiring women leaders, Brigadier Gen. Yvonne L. Mays.
The 60-year-old is the Adjutant General of New Jersey, commander of more than 8,400 New Jersey National Guard troops, and head of the state Department of Military Affairs. Mays lives in Lumberton and is the 34th person to serve as the state’s top military commander.
She is also the first Black woman in that role since the assembly created New Jersey’s first militia back in 1668.
“From COVID-19 to Super Storm Sandy and military support missions, Gen. Mays’ service has impacted millions of New Jerseyans,” Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson said during the meeting’s recognition ceremony. “(Mays) is an amazing woman, and we’re proud that she has chosen Lumberton in Burlington County to be her home.
“We want to recognize her and thank her for her outstanding service,” Hopson added. “By spotlighting her, we hope to inspire more women and girls to follow her example.”
Mays’ long and decorated military career began in August 1983, when she enlisted in the Air Force straight out of high school. She served in numerous operations during active duty, including Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. She also participated in Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom following 9/11.
Mays earned her commission as an officer in 1999 from Palmetto Military Academy in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and began her National Guard career that same year as director of personnel and commander of Mission Support Flight with the 177th Fighter Wing in Egg Harbor.
She would later become the Fighter Wing’s executive officer and deputy chief of staff of the New Jersey National Guard. Mays was selected in 2024 by former Gov. Phil Murphy to be Adjutant General, and Gov. Mikie Sherill has nominated her to remain in that post during her administration.
“This is quite an honor,” Mays said of the meeting recognition. “We’ve been residents of Lumberton for more than 20 years now, and to be able to (get) this with my granddaughter here and husband – who’s also a veteran – it is humbling.”
